Computer program and method for pain prevention

ABSTRACT

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium for instructing the user of an electronic device to perform wellness activities using a processor is provided. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes instructions to command the processor to track the user&#39;s time at the electronic device. The instructions further command the processor to periodically alert the user to perform a wellness activity. The instructions also command the processor to display the wellness activity for the user to perform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/426,016 filed Dec. 22, 2010 and having the title “COMPUTER PROGRAM AND METHOD FOR PAIN PREVENTION” the subject matter of which is incorporated in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to a computer program, and more particularly, to a computer program for alerting an operator of an electronic device to perform wellness activities.

Business operations are generally performed with the use of computers and other electronic devices, for example, desktop computers, laptop computers, smart phones, tablet computers, and the like. Users of such devices may spend extended lengths of time operating the device without a break. Accordingly, such users may experience physical pain from sitting for extended lengths of time. For example, a user may experience back pain, leg pain, and/or hand and wrist pain. Additionally, sitting is linked to many diseases including an increase in heart attacks. Conventional electronic devices do not alert a user that they have been sitting too long.

A need remains for an electronic device that notifies a user to perform wellness activities while spending extended periods of time on the electronic device. Another need remains for an electronic device that explains how to perform the wellness activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for instructing the user of an electronic device to perform wellness activities using a processor is provided. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes instructions to command the processor to track the user's time at the electronic device. The instructions further command the processor to periodically alert the user to perform a wellness activity. The instructions also command the processor to display the wellness activity for the user to perform.

In another embodiment, a method for instructing the user of an electronic device to perform wellness activities is provided. The method includes tracking the user's time at the electronic device. The user is periodically alerted to perform a wellness activity. The method also includes displaying the wellness activity for the user to perform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a workstation formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a setup screen formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a program display formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wellness display formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another wellness display formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method formed in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Various embodiments provide a computer program and method for instructing a user on and reminding the user to perform activities for wellness, for example, pain prevention or pain relief. The invention is particularly directed at users who spend a significant amount of their day in a chair, such as office workers at a desk. More particularly, the present invention is directed at users who work on a computer while seated or standing, as such users tend to strain their necks forward while viewing the computer, thus causing neck and back issues. However, various embodiments may be used by any user wishing to automatically receive directed, scheduled information relevant to their health concerns. For example and as noted below, various embodiments may be used by a worker sitting or standing and assembling parts at a table (but not necessarily viewing a computer).

The invention is implemented as a software program downloaded or installed on the user's computer or as an application for a mobile wireless communications device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Various embodiments automatically send a reminder to the user to perform certain activities, such as certain stretches or exercises, or drinking water, at scheduled intervals throughout the day. Thus, the program automatically notifies the user of the scheduled activities to perform. The program may include an instructional video as well as sketches, drawings, or animations for demonstrating the positions, movements, exercises, proper body mechanics, proper ergonomics, and assistive devices and equipment for preventing or relieving pain (especially pain associated with continuous sitting in an office or manufacturing environment). Additionally, the program includes information regarding a proper and recommended intake of nutrition, such as drinking water or other fluids. The program further provides instructional materials and information that teach the user the importance of following the recommendations.

The program provides both visual and auditory instructions and reminders. The volume can be adjusted for the auditory reminder. The reminder program may have links to it to review the recommended activities as well as a legal disclaimer. The visual reminder can be placed anywhere on the screen at any time and may use an acronym and a flash program. The program can be set to start with start up of the computer or to start up by opening manually.

In one embodiment, the continuous and systematic following of the program and method assists in teaching the user how to decrease pain, soreness, and stiffness, and generally results in an increased health and well being. In some embodiments, the user may select which areas of the body or which information the user wishes to receive, such as information on proper nutrition or how to relieve back pain. In alternative embodiments, the user may be guided through a series of exercises and stretches that address common pain areas, which include but are not limited to, the neck, mid-back, and low-back. In some embodiments, the exercise for each scheduled session may vary throughout the day, or the exercises for each scheduled session may be the same.

The user may select how often the program automatically reminds the user of the educational information, such as twenty minutes, once per hour, every two hours, etc. Alternatively, the program may default to a schedule that the user may change if desired.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a workstation 100. An electronic device 102, for example a computer, is provided having a display 104 and a user interface 106. It should be understood that the display 104 may be joined to or separate or separable from the user interface 106. The user interface 106 includes control buttons 108 that may be used to control the electronic device 102 as desired or needed, and/or as typically provided. The user interface 106 may provide multiple interface options that the user may physically manipulate to interact with information displayed on the display 104. The control buttons 108 may include a keyboard 110, trackball 112, and/or other multi-function controls.

The electronic device 102 includes a processor 114 that controls data input to and output from the electronic device 102. The processor 114 may be programmed to operate instructions embedded within memory of the electronic device 102. Alternatively, the processor 114 may operate instructions input by a user with the control buttons 108. In one embodiment, the processor 114 operates instructions embedded on a non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, software. The processor 114 may operate instructions to display information on the display 104. in one embodiment, the processor 114 operates instructions embedded on a non-transitory computer readable medium to alert a user of the electronic device 102 to perform wellness activities, for example exercises, stretches, or nutritional activities, such as drinking fluids, for example, water.

The workstation 100 also includes a user station 116, for example, a chair. The user may be positioned at the user station 116 during operation of the electronic device 102. The user may be positioned in the user station 116 for an extended period of time. Alternatively, the user may stand at the workstation 100 for an extended period of time. As such, the user may experience pain and aches from being positioned at the user station 116 for an extended period of time. Moreover, the user may become at high risk for health concerns, such as a heart attack.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a setup screen 120 formed in accordance with an embodiment. The setup screen 120 operates as part of a wellness program to alert users at the workstation 100 to perform a wellness activity. The wellness activity may include stretches or exercises for pain relief or pain protection. The wellness activity may also include nutritional activity, such as eating a snack or drinking a fluid, such as water. The wellness program is embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium and includes instructions to be performed by the processor 114. The setup screen 120 is displayed on the display 104 and may be manipulated with the control buttons 108.

The setup screen 120 includes user parameter inputs 122. The user parameter inputs 122 include physical attributes of the user. For example, the user parameter inputs 122 may include a height 124 of the user, a weight 126 of the user, or an age 128 of the user. The user inputs the user parameter inputs 122 using the control buttons 108. The user parameter inputs 122 are utilized to develop an appropriate wellness routine that is customized to the user. In one embodiment, the user may bypass the user parameter inputs 122 and utilize a pre-programmed wellness routine.

The setup screen 120 also includes problem area inputs 130. The problem area inputs 130 are indicative of areas of the body where the user may be experiencing aches or pains. The problem area inputs 130 may include the back 132, the neck 134, the wrists 136, or any other area of the body that may experience pain from working at the workstation 100 for an extended period of time. The user selects problem areas by selecting one of the problem area inputs 130 with the control buttons 108. For example, the user may select a box next to the problem area inputs 130 indicative of body parts that bother the user. The problem area inputs 130 are utilized to develop an appropriate wellness routine that is customized to the user. In one embodiment, the user may bypass the problem area inputs 130 and utilize a pre-programmed wellness routine.

The setup screen 120 also includes a time interval input 138. The user may utilize the time interval input 138 to select a frequency of wellness activities. For example, the user may select a time interval of fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, forty-five minutes, an hour, or the like. In one embodiment, the user may skip the time interval input 138 and utilize a pre-programmed time interval. In one embodiment, the time interval may change depending on the user's length of time at the workstation 100. As such, the longer the user is at the workstation 100, the more frequent the time intervals become.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a program display 140 formed in accordance with an embodiment. The wellness program includes instructions to command the processor 114 to display the program display 140 on the display 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the program display 140 is positioned in the bottom right corner of the display 104. Alternatively, the program display 140 may be positioned anywhere on the display 104. The program display 140 is positioned on the display 140, while other programs 142 are enabled to be displayed on the display 104. Accordingly, the wellness program runs in the background of the electronic device 102, while other programs are operated on the electronic device 102.

In one embodiment, the program display 140 includes an alert screen 146. The alert screen 146 notifies the user when a wellness activity should be performed. Alternatively, the user may be alerted by an audible alert. The program display 140 may also include an enlarging button 144 to view the wellness program. For example, the user may select the enlarging button 144 in response to an alert on the alert screen 146. Alternatively, the user may return to the setup screen 120 by selecting the enlarging button 144.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wellness display 150 formed in accordance with an embodiment. The wellness display 150 may be enlarged onto the display 104 when the user selects the enlarging button 144 after receiving an alert on the alert screen 146. Alternatively, at various time intervals the wellness display 150 may automatically run on the display 104.

The wellness display 150 displays a wellness activity for the user to perform. The wellness activity may include pain relief or pain prevention activities, such as exercises and stretches, or healthy activities, for example, drinking fluids or eating a snack. The wellness activity may be determined by input provided at the setup screen 120. Alternatively, the wellness activity may be pre-determined by the wellness program. Throughout the user's time at the workstation 100, the wellness activities may be varied. For example, a first activity may focus on exercises for the user's neck, whereas, a second activity may focus on exercises for the user's back, and a third activity may instruct the user to drink a glass of fluid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wellness display 150 provides step-by-step instructions 152 for performing the wellness activity. For example, the user performs the wellness activity by performing step one 154, step two 156, and step three 158. In one embodiment, the step-by-step instructions 152 may also include written instructions and/or audio instructions.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a wellness display 160 formed in accordance with an embodiment. The wellness display 160 may be enlarged onto the display 104 when the user selects the enlarging button 144 after receiving an alert on the alert screen 146. Alternatively, at various time intervals the wellness display 160 may automatically run on the display 104.

The wellness display 160 displays a wellness activity for the user to perform. The wellness activity may be determined by input provided at the setup screen 120. Alternatively, the wellness activity may be pre-determined by the wellness program. Throughout the user's time at the workstation 100, the wellness activities may be varied.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wellness display 160 provides a video 162 for performing the wellness activity. In one embodiment, the video 162 may also include written instructions and/or audio instructions. A volume of the audio instructions may be adjusted using a volume control 164 provided on the wellness display 160. The volume control 164 may be adjusted using the control buttons 108. In various embodiments, the wellness program includes both the wellness display 150 and the wellness display 160. The user may select one of the wellness displays 150 or 160 at the setup screen 120. Alternatively, the user may toggle between the wellness displays 150 and 160.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 200 for operating the wellness program. At 202, the wellness program is loaded onto the electronic device 102. The wellness program may be downloaded from the internet onto the electronic device 102. Optionally, the wellness program may be embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium that is inserted into or linked to the electronic device 102. The processor 114 performs instructions provided by the wellness program. In one embodiment, the processor 114 displays the setup screen 120 on the display 104.

At 204, the user may enter user parameter inputs 122. The user parameter inputs 122 include physical attributes of the user. For example, the user parameter inputs 122 may include a height 124 of the user, a weight 126 of the user, and/or an age 128 of the user. Optionally, the user may bypass the user parameter inputs 122. At 206, the user may enter problem area inputs 130. The problem area inputs 130 are indicative of areas of the body where the user may be experiencing aches or pains. The problem area inputs 130 may include the back 132, the neck 134, the wrists 136, or the. like. Optionally, the user may bypass the problem area inputs 130. At 208, the user may enter a time interval input 140. The user may utilize the time interval input 140 to select a frequency of wellness activities. For example, the user may select a time interval of fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, forty-five minutes, an hour, or the like. Optionally, the user may bypass the time interval input 140. A pain relief program may be customized for the user based on at least one of the user parameter inputs 122, the problem area inputs 130, and the time interval input 140. In another embodiment, the wellness program may be pre-determined.

At 210, the wellness program is started on the electronic device 102. At 212, the wellness program is started automatically when the electronic device is started. Optionally, at 214, the wellness program is started manually by the user. The wellness program runs in the background of the electronic device 102, while other programs may be run on the electronic device 102. The program display 140 is displayed on the display 104, while the wellness program tracks the user's time on the electronic device 102, as 216. At 218, the user time is tracked based on the time interval input 140. Alternatively, at 220, the user time is tracked based on a pre-determined interval.

At 222, the wellness program alerts the user to perform a wellness activity. The user may be alerted in the program display 140. In another embodiment, at least one of the wellness display 150 or the wellness display 160 may open on the display 104. At 224, the user may ignore the wellness activity and the wellness program returns to tracking the user time, at 218. At 226, the user may select the wellness activity. Optionally, at 228, the user may select an alternative wellness activity. At 230, the wellness activity is displayed in at least one of the wellness display 150 or the wellness display 160. After the wellness activity is performed by the user, the wellness program continues to track the user time, at 218.

In one embodiment, the various embodiments provide a method for instructing the user of an electronic device to perform wellness activities, wherein the method includes tracking the user's time at the electronic device; periodically alerting the user to perform a wellness activity; and displaying the wellness activity for the user to perform, wherein the wellness activity may be facilitated to prevent pain from using the electronic device. In one embodiment, the wellness activity includes at least one of an exercise, a stretch, and a nutritional activity, wherein the nutritional activity may include drinking fluids. In one embodiment, the wellness activity is based on input from the user, for example a height, a weight, and an age of the user. The user may be alerted to perform the wellness activity at intervals during the user's time on the electronic device. In one embodiment, alternative wellness activities may be displayed that address different body parts of the user. In one embodiment, a video of the wellness activity is displayed. Optionally, an audio instruction of how to perform the wellness activity may be provided.

The embodiments described herein provide a computer program for instructing a user of an electronic device to perform exercises while using the electronic device. The program addresses physical pain that may be experienced by a user of an electronic device who spends an extended length of time on the device. The exercises may be specified from the user based on physical attributes of the user. The exercises may also be alternated to address different body parts with each exercise. The user is notified periodically to perform the exercises. For example, the user may be notified based on time intervals and/or a total amount of time spent on the electronic device.

Exemplary embodiments of the computer program are described above in detail. The program illustrated is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, steps of the program may be utilized independently and separately from other steps described herein.

It should be noted that the various embodiments, for example, the modules described herein, may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination thereof. The various embodiments and/or components, for example, the modules, or components and controllers therein, also may be implemented as part of one or more computers or processors. The computer or processor may include a computing device, an input device, a display unit and an interface, for example, for accessing the Internet. The computer or processor may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be connected to a communication bus. The computer or processor may also include a memory. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). The computer or processor further may include a storage device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removable storage drive, optical disk drive, solid state disk drive (e.g., flash drive of flash RAM) and the like. The storage device may also be other similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer or processor.

As used herein, the term “computer” or “module” may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “computer”.

The computer or processor executes a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements, in order to process input data. The storage elements may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the computer or processor as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program module within a larger program or a portion of a program module. The software also may include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

1. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium for instructing the user of an electronic device to perform wellness activities using a processor, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions to command the processor to: track the user's time at the electronic device; periodically alert the user to perform a wellness activity; and display the wellness activity for the user to perform.
 2. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further command the processor to alert the user to perform a wellness activity including at least one of an exercise, a stretch, or a nutritional activity.
 3. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein the instructions further command the processor to alert the user to perform a nutritional activity including drinking water.
 4. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further command the processor to display the wellness activity based on input from the user.
 5. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 4, wherein the input includes at least one of a height, a weight, or an age of the user.
 6. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further command the processor to periodically alert the user to perform the wellness activity at intervals during the user's time on the electronic device.
 7. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further command the processor to display alternative wellness activities that address different body parts of the user.
 8. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the wellness activities are facilitated to prevent pain from using the electronic device.
 9. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further command the processor to display a video of the wellness activity.
 10. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further command the processor to provide an audio instruction of how to perform the wellness activity.
 11. A method for instructing the user of an electronic device to perform wellness activities, the method comprising: tracking the user's time at the electronic device; periodically alerting the user to perform a wellness activity; and displaying the wellness activity for the user to perform.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising alerting the user to perform a wellness activity including at least one of an exercise, a stretch, or a nutritional activity.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising alerting the user to perform a nutritional activity including drinking water.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising displaying the wellness activity based on input from the user.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the input includes at least one of a height, a weight, or an age of the user.
 16. The method of claim 11 further comprising periodically alerting the user to perform the wellness activity at intervals during the user's time on the electronic device.
 17. The method of claim 11 further comprising displaying alternative wellness activities that address different body parts of the user.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the wellness activity is facilitated to prevent pain from using the electronic device.
 19. The method of claim 11 further comprising displaying a video of the wellness activity.
 20. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing an audio instruction of how to perform the wellness activity. 